CHAPTER THIRTY - THREE

LORENZO GRAYSON\ VADIM KERZHAKOV ©

I slowly lifted my head, gripping the glass railing for support.

Across from me, Nick stared down at his clothes in complete shock and disgust.

"Fvck," I muttered, my voice weak and rough. "I told you to stay back."

"I was trying to help," Nick said.

His face twisted as he looked down at himself. For a second, he looked like he might actually cry.

I took a step toward him and he immediately held up a finger to stop me from getting closer.

Now the roles have completely reversed.

"Come on," I said. "You need to clean up."

Using what little strength I had left, I turned and slowly headed toward my room.

Nick followed behind me in silence. The look on his face already made it seem like he was regretting coming with Kyle.

Once we were inside, I pointed toward the bathroom.

"Take your clothes off. I'll throw your clothes into the washing machine," I said and his head snapped up.

"Take my clothes off… with you in here?“ he asked and I raised an eyebrow at his reaction.

"What?" I asked. "You think I'm trying to make a move on you?"

His eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head.

"No... I mean... that's not what I..." he stammered, struggling to get the words out.

I let out a tired sigh and sat down on the edge of the bed as another wave of dizziness hit me.

"Just go," I said, gesturing weakly toward the bathroom. "You can throw the clothes into the washing machine yourself."

He hesitated for a second before walking into the bathroom and quietly locked the door behind him.

Another wave of cold swept through me, and I shivered where I sat on the bed.

For some reason, seeing the kid today made me feel better. Like his presence was exactly what I needed right now.

A few minutes later, I heard the bathroom door unlock.

The door opened a little, and Nick poked his head out.

"Uhm, What am I supposed to wear?" he asked softly.

"You can grab a shirt from any of the closets," I replied. "Your clothes should be dry soon enough."

He stayed there for a few seconds, as if debating whether to come out or not.

Then he finally opened the door widely and stepped into the room slowly, the nervousness on his face was impossible to miss.

I had no idea why he was nervous, until my eyes fell on his flawless white skin as he opened the closet.

He glanced back at me and caught me staring, and I met his gaze as I looked up.

He's still young, Vadim. Focus.

The towel draped around his waist, leaving his upper body exposed.

“I… I’m not sure about what to choose,” he said softly. I exhaled deeply before getting up and walked towards the closet; he took a few steps back as I walked closer.

I stretched my arms and took a white shirt for him to wear, fully aware that none of my trousers or shorts would be fit for him.

He went back to the bathroom and closed the door after him.

His slender arms and pale, white body lingered in my thoughts as I moved to the table to grab a cigar.

“Fvck." I muttered softly as I sparked the cigar right away.

"Why is that on my mind?" I whispered, taking a drag from my cigarette as the door slowly opened.

I exhaled slowly as Nick entered the room, masking my feelings while I focused on his white legs up to his thigh.

Even with the short boxers and the white shirt he had on them, I still couldn't look away from him as I took a drag.

"Why are you smoking when you're sick?" he asked.

Before I could answer, he took the cigar from my hand and put it out in the ashtray.

Then he knelt beside the bed and placed a hand on my forehead.

He lets out a worried sigh."This is my fault. I shouldn't have let you drive me home that day."

He bit his lower lip, clearly blaming himself and I shook my head.

"I'm fine…" I said and another shiver ran through me.

He gave me a look that said he wasn't buying it.

“You don't look fine. Just look at yourself,” he said with a sigh.

“You're running a fever again.” He added. “I'll be back.”

He turned and walked into the bathroom.

I sank back onto the bed and pulled the duvet over myself.

A few moments later, Nick returned with a bowl of water and a towel. He set them on the bedside table before dipping the towel into the water.

As he gently wiped my skin, I flinched. The cool cloth sent a chill through my burning body.

“I can't believe the great Enzo Grayson is lying in bed like this, completely helpless,” Nick said and I slowly turned my head toward him and let out a weak groan.

“I'm not helpless,” I muttered and Nick chuckled.

“Of course you're not.” He squeezed out the towel and looked at me.

“Do you have any medicine?” he asked and I shook my head.

“I don't want any. I'll be fine without it.”

Nick raised an eyebrow.

“You don't exactly look like someone who's getting better without medicine.”

I frowned and looked away.

I had never liked taking medicine. Ever since I was a kid, it always left a horrible taste in my mouth.

Kyle had tried to take care of me for the past few days, but every attempt ended with him frustrated.

I didn't agree to any checkups and avoided doctors or nurses whenever Kyle brought one.

Yet here I was, listening to this kid without putting up a fight.

“I'll get you something to eat so you can take your medicine,” Nick said as he started to stand.

Before he could leave, I reached out and grabbed his hand.

“I'm fine. Don't leave.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

For a second, I thought I should take them back. But I realized I meant every word.

Nick paused and looked down at me. “I'll be back. I need to get you something to eat so you'll get better,” he said.

He slowly let go of my hand and left the room.

I pulled the duvet tighter around me and tried to sleep. But I couldn't. My body still felt hot and weak. I kept shivering as I lay there.

After a while, I finally drifted off.

I don't know how much time passed before I felt a light tap on my shoulder.

I opened my eyes slowly and Nick was standing there. He helped me sit up and brought the food closer.

“I could only find rice, so I made rice porridge,” he said.

The smell hit me, and I wrinkled my nose a little.

“I have no interest in this,” I said and Nick shot me a glare.

“Well, you need it if you want to get better.” he said and I shook my head.

The smell of the food made my stomach turn.

Nick leaned in a bit. “Take just a few spoons, and… I'll grant anything you want.”

I paused and looked at him for a moment before letting out a small laugh.

“Fine,” I whispered and Nick looked at me, clearly surprised that I had agreed so easily.

He started to stand up, but I quickly reached out and pulled him back.

“Well, you’ll have to feed me since I’m too sick to eat on my own,” I said.

Nick then gave a small nod and sat by the side of the bed and began feeding me.

~ TWO HOURS LATER ~

I slowly opened my eyes just to Nick Walker sitting beside the bed, his head resting on the bed.

He had fallen asleep there peacefully.

I quietly climbed off the bed and gently placed him on the bed. He slept deeply while I draped the duvet over his bare thighs.

I looked at the clock and realized it’s already past midnight. I looked back at him while he slept on the bed and ruffled his hair.

He snuggled deeper into the duvet and for once, he looked completely comfortable.

I stared at his calm face and without thinking, I reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair away from his eyes.

I paused for a second as I stared at his face.

What on earth was this kid doing to me?